Pedestrian Injured in Destin, Florida Accident

An accident in Destin, Florida resulted in an injured pedestrian Saturday evening, news sources report. Authorities have not released the woman’s name, though sources say she was attempting to cross a busy street when a pickup truck struck her. The woman was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital following the collision, and her injuries have been reported as not life threatening. Her current condition is not publicly known.

News sources say that the accident occurred around 6:00 p.m. outside of AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin, Florida. Reports say the woman was most likely trying to cross a nearby street when the truck hit her. Reports did not specify how the accident occurred or if either party was at fault, nor did they address the possibility that alcohol may have played a factor in the crash. Sources did mention that authorities shut down westbound traffic after the accident and that traffic was rerouted down Palmetto Avenue until 7 P.M.

Although the pedestrian survived the accident, not all crashes this week ended that way. Two men were killed in a Niceville, Florida accident on Sunday evening, according to reports. John C. Kearley, 19, and Daniel L. Hanlon, 51, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Sources indicate that the accident happened around 11:25 P.M. on State Road 285, some five miles north of College Boulevard. The Florida Highway patrol said Kearley was headed south on S.R. 285 in a 2003 Nissan Pickup at the time.

The accident purportedly occurred when Kearley moved into the northbound lane for unknown reasons. Reports say that he then collided with Hanlon’s 2002 Chevrolet SUV. Hanlon was headed northbound in the opposite lane at the time. According to reports, after the two vehicles collided, they spun out of control before stopping in the roadway. Kearley’s vehicle ended up facing west, while Hanlon’s faced the southeast. Reports indicate that investigators are not yet sure whether alcohol may have been a factor in the accident. Both vehicles were totaled in the wreck, sources say.

Less tragic news was reported out of Niceville, Florida recently as well. A man who police have not identified publicly allegedly decided to take a vehicle that was not his for a ride. Reports say the incident occurred at Palm Plaza on July 14. According to reports, the man had been offered a ride, but while the driver and other passengers were shopping, he started the vehicle and drove it around. However, things purportedly went south when the defendant failed to make a turn and crashed into two cars.
The man, who was apparently found at the scene of the accident, was cited by police for careless driving and driving without a license. It is unknown whether any of the parties have pressed charges. The report also states that a small container with an unknown spice was found in the vehicle, and that the owner denied that it was hers. The spice in the container is likely undergoing tests to determine if it is an illegal drug.